Research - Program Associate (36207)

Position Information

Posting Detail Information

Working Position Title Research - Program Associate (36207) Classification Research Associate Position Number 00036207 Open Date 04/29/2026 Close Date Priority Review Date 05/14/2026 Employee Class Staff Full-Time/Part Time Full-Time FTE 1.00 Position Status Temporary FLSA Exempt Job code 1620SPS04 Union Representation Non-Union Union Code N/A Unit/Department N Ill Ctr Non-Profit Exc College/Unit N Ill Ctr Non-Profit Exc Division Outreach Engagemt Regl Dev Dv Location LH 307 Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page https://edsystemsniu.org/

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Overview

The Education Systems Center (EdSystems) is a mission-driven policy development and program implementation center dedicated to shaping and strengthening education and workforce systems. Through collaborative partnerships, EdSystems designs, implements, and evaluates policies and practices that ensure clear, unambiguous paths to postsecondary and career opportunities for all students, with a strong focus on equity.

EdSystems is located downtown Chicago.

Position Summary

Research - Program Associate serves as a central business and operations anchor for both Education Systems Center (EdSystems) and the Workforce Policy Lab (WPL) located in Chicago and will work from the Chicago offices on North Wabash. This role requires specialized research into optimal business management, financial oversight, and organizational operations. The Research - Program Associate is responsible for fiscal management, logistical efficiency, and operational excellence, supporting each team's senior leadership in high-level team coordination and external liaison functions.

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented "self-learner" with advanced research skills, and who possesses a strong sense of ownership and can independently manage complex financial and contractual processes while maintaining a supportive, collaborative presence within the team.

Note: This role focuses on systems and leadership support; it does not include general administrative tasks (e.g., photocopying or general scheduling) for the broader team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Management - 40%

• Research, develop and maintain an overall vision of budget goals, research various potential revenue sources and the status of each possibility, and develop a proposed outline of which sources will happen at what time - then translate that into a budget plan that will dictate business development and expense allocation. This includes:
• Budgeting & Reporting: Manage unit expenses and revenue; develop and maintain sophisticated financial reports for funders, EdSystems and WPL leaders, and the university division. The budget reports must be based on current best practices for each specific audience - various practices must be researched and analyzed.
• Grant Contract Support: Research and support the development of grant and contract proposals by gathering necessary financial data and background information. Manage subaward agreements, track invoices, and support the execution of data sharing agreements.
• Fiscal Operations: Serve as the primary manager for the units' P-Cards, overseeing reconciliation and compliance. Manage and streamline team travel processes, including authorizations and reimbursements.

Operations & Office Management - 40%

• Liaison Services: Act as the main point of contact for building management in Chicago. This department will have a long-term lease with many terms - this position must research and become familiar with the terms and their implications, and manage them to the benefit of the University. Maintain collaborative relationships with both the division and the university's finance and business teams to ensure seamless facility and administrative operations.
• Team Logistics and Systems Management: Manage organizational supplies and resources, ensuring the team has the necessary materials to perform its work effectively. Utilize and optimize the team's project management and database tools (including Asana and Airtable) to ensure team collaboration and deadline adherence.
• Executive Support: Assist EdSystems and WPL in the high-level organization and execution of team meetings, retreats, and special initiatives.

Marketing Communications Support - 20%

• Digital Presence:Research, develop and manage the implementation of communications strategies, including managing LinkedIn posts and other social media engagement, posting copy to the website, etc.
• Conference Support: Coordinate registration and operational logistics for critical, external-facing events, such as EdSystems' annual conference, Investors Council meetings, etc.

Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service)

N/A

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Civil Service)

N/A

Specialty Factors (Civil Service)

N/A

Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service)

N/A

Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS)

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience, with a proven track record in project management or business operations.

Additional Requirements (SPS)

• Financial Stewardship & Business Acumen: Demonstrates high-level data literacy by managing budgets, tracking complex expenditures, and interpreting financial data to provide actionable reports for leadership and funders.
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: Exercises sound reasoning and independent judgment to analyze operational challenges, propose creative solutions, and oversee large-scale logistics without the need for constant supervision.
• Professionalism & Self-Development: Acts as a high-accountability "owner" of operations; a proactive self-learner who anticipates the needs of the team and implements systems to improve efficiency.
• Consultation & Relationship Management: Serves as a strategic liaison between the Center, university business teams, and external partners, maintaining professional rapport while advocating for the Center's operational needs.
• Digital Technology: Leverages digital tools and emerging technologies to streamline workflows, implement communication strategies, and ensure the organization's information remains organized and accessible.
• Operational Leadership: Balances a commitment to the Center's mission-driven goals with the discipline to manage subawards, data agreements, and administrative functions that keep the organization compliant and effective.

Preferred Qualifications (SPS)

• Experience working in a non-profit, education, or policy-related environment, and a demonstrated interest in education policy, workforce development, or career pathways.
• Experience with design software (e.g., Adobe Suite) or PowerPoint for the development of fact sheets and presentations.
• Familiarity with (or a fast ability to learn) project management tools (e.g., Asana, Monday) or customer relationship management (CRM) software.
• Experience working in a university environment.

Physical demands/requirements

• General office requirements.
• Long periods of time seated/stationary.

Appointment and Compensation Details

Appointment and Compensation Details

Anticipated Appointment Start Date 6/1/2026 Anticipated Appointment End Date Percent of Staff Year 1.00 Standard Hours Per Week 37.50 Working Hours Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm Salary $60,000.00 - $75,000.00/Annually; NIU offers a robust benefits package. Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range $2,500.00 - $3,125.00/Semi-monthly Earn Type Salary

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

For full consideration, please visit https://employment.niu.edu/postings/91827 to submit the following materials by 5/14/2026:

Required Documents:

• Cover Letter - Please include your interest in employment with NIU and how your previous experiences position you for success in the role for which you are applying.
• Current Resume
• List of Three Professional References
• Transcripts, if applicable (unofficial with official required at hire)

Applications submitted after 5/14/2026 are welcomed but will be considered as needed.

Special Instructions Quick Link to Applicant https://employment.niu.edu/postings/91827 Is Background Check Required? Yes EEO Statement Summary

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator

Health Services Building Room 230

TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu

815-753-5560

Visa Policy

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation

NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person's disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form. For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity (AAEO) at ada@niu.edu.

Safety Information

NIU provides annual reports on campus security and fire safety.

Read the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.

Contact the Ethics and Compliance Office at 815-753-9364 for a hard copy.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• List of at least 3 Professional References

Optional Documents

• Military Discharge Documents ONLY (DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256)
• Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)
• Other

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).